Schools and Cultural Citizenship

Book excerpt: ‘Why study the arts at school?’ This book offers a fresh perspective on this question. Informed by rigorous research, the book argues that the arts help young people to develop key skills, knowledge and practices that support them to become both critical appreciative audiences and socially engaged cultural producers. Drawing on a three-year study in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Tate art museum, Schools and Cultural Citizenship sets out an ecological model for cultural citizenship that goes beyond the classroom to include families, the media and popular culture. The authors introduce new, interrelated concepts to change how we consider arts education. Chapters provide fresh insights, guidance and practical recommendations for educators, including: An introduction to the Tracking Arts Learning and Engagement research Detailed case studies featuring arts-rich schools and arts-broker teachers Analysis of the importance of immersive professional development for teachers and the benefits of partnerships with arts organisations An ecological model for cultural citizenship Focusing on the ways in which cultural citizenship can be taught and learnt, this is an essential read for arts educators, education staff in arts organisations, researchers, postgraduate students, arts education activists and policy makers.